Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Background

This tall, striking plant is best utilized as a background focal point where its reddish foliage can contrast strongly against green plants. It should be planted in small groups in an area receiving direct, intense lighting to maximize its color. Ensure it is not shaded by other plants, as lower light levels will cause it to revert to a plain green color. It quickly reaches the top of the tank, requiring frequent trimming.

Botanical form

Stem

Structurally similar to the standard species with thick stems and large, broad leaves, but distinguished by its color. Under optimal conditions (high light, CO2, iron), the uppermost leaves and new growth develop stunning reddish, pink, or bronze coloration. The lower leaves often remain a lighter greenish-bronze. It provides a massive, colorful, and imposing presence in any aquascape.

Growth

Fast

The growth rate is very fast, similar to the standard H. corymbosa, especially when provided with CO2 and high light. It will quickly breach the water surface, where its emersed leaves will often turn a deep, dark green or purple. Frequent pruning is necessary to maintain its height and encourage a bushier structure. The fastest, newest growth under intense light displays the best red coloration.

Substrate

High

A nutrient-rich active aquasoil provides the best foundation to support its rapid growth and deep coloration. The soil provides a steady release of essential nutrients, allowing the aquarist to control water column nitrates to enhance redness. It can be grown in inert substrates, but aggressive root tab supplementation is required to prevent stunted growth. A deep substrate layer is necessary for its extensive root system.

Column fertilization

Recommended

Meticulous liquid fertilization is required to maximize its red coloration. Dosing high levels of iron and trace elements, while slightly limiting nitrates, encourages the plant to produce red pigments. Potassium must be dosed consistently to prevent the older, greener leaves from developing pinholes. It is a heavy water column feeder and responds very quickly to changes in the dosing regimen.

Root fertilization

Recommended

Root fertilization is an excellent strategy to ensure the plant has enough energy for rapid growth while allowing the aquarist to keep water column nitrates low for better color. Placing nutrient-rich root tabs beneath the stems provides a steady, safe food source. A rich substrate prevents the lower stems from rotting and losing leaves. It works synergistically with specialized column dosing.

Trimming

Regular

Trimming involves cutting the main stem to the desired height using sturdy scissors. The cut portion will quickly sprout new red-tipped side shoots, leading to a bushier form. Replanting the colorful tops helps propagate the red variant throughout the tank.

Propagation

Cuttings

Propagation is very easy and is accomplished through stem cuttings. Snip the intensely colored top portion and replant it; it will quickly root and continue growing. The cut bottom section will aggressively sprout new side shoots, eventually becoming a large, colorful thicket. It is a highly resilient plant that multiplies easily under good conditions.

Sensitivity

Moderate

The red coloration is sensitive to light intensity; low light will cause the plant to turn entirely green. It is otherwise a very hardy plant that tolerates most water conditions well. Poor flow can occasionally lead to spot algae on its large leaves.

Layout role

Midground, Background

Its primary role is to serve as a bold, colorful background anchor. It contrasts beautifully against bright green fine-leaved plants or hardscape materials. In Dutch styles, it makes for a magnificent, structured red street.